The Greatest Soundtrack in the World

International Dawn Chorus Day 3rd of May

It’s International Dawn Chorus Day on the 3rd of May. So, if you don’t know your blackbird from your robin song, or your blue tit from your great tit call this might just help.

May is a fantastic month for listening to birdsong, so you can always choose a morning that suits you better, if you can’t make the 3rd of May. If like me, early mornings really aren’t appealing, I’ve included a couple of alternative ideas later in the article that don’t require setting an alarm at all.

Anyone who loves birds will tell you that the dawn chorus is the greatest soundscape of all. Not the Top 40 blaring from a radio, but the voices of birds singing as the very first light appears. It’s a soundscape that has been playing since birds evolved — if not before. While the coffee brews, it’s one of those rare, glorious moments in the day when you can simply sit, listen, and let the birds do the talking.

Now people who know me well, know I am not a morning person. I have had several mugs designed that specifically state ‘don’t talk to me before my second cup of coffee.’ Early starts are very much not my thing. I am more of a night owl and would rather, as I am doing right now, stay up late and enjoy the silence, when everyone has gone to bed. It’s a time when the noise in my head finally quietens, and my creative thoughts can make their way through my fingertips. Whether I actually achieve that is for you to decide.

And yet, three times this spring I’ve dragged myself up at the crack of dawn to listen to that dawn-time symphony. And yes, I’ll have brain fog for the rest of the day — but every single time, it’s been worth it.

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 3

Hoverflies, Silkstone Waggonway, & Local sightings.

I love it when I can find nature right on my doorstep, it’s even better when it’s in one's own garden. The Dandelions are in full bloom and the Garlic Mustard also known as Jack by the Hedge is just coming into flower ready for any passing Orange Tips.

But what other wonders and nature’s joy have I seen this week.

Hoverflies in Historical Books part 2.

Exploration of hoverflies within historical books & manuscripts, examining the scientific understanding each portrayed or intended. 

In my research for articles about individual hoverfly species, I always widen the search looking for any historical or cultural contexts. This broader approach often uncovers fascinating references to hoverflies in old historical manuscripts and early books, hidden gems that reveal stories and observations worthy of a deeper investigation. 

If you haven’t read Hoverflies in Historical Books part 1 – now is the perfect moment to do so and get up to speed with the journey so far.

For those who have read part 1, thank you – here is a brief recap.

The simple question was:  What is the oldest hoverfly ever recorded in print? 

Our search in the story so far paused in 1720 with Eleazar Albin’s 'A Natural History of English insects'  illustrating observed behaviour in the White-clubbed Glasswing (Scaeva pyrastri) 

But the question still to be answered is - are there any older references to hoverflies hidden within earlier texts?

Let’s find out….

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 2

Hoverflies, Adwick Washlands, Moth trapping in my Garden, Critters down the River.

It has been a week of firsts, as you will see shortly.

It also an exciting time of year spring, as every corner you turn on a nature walk, you are likely to find something that delights, either something that has just blossomed, flowered, dropped in, flown past, hovers or just sits there waiting for you to spot it. That was very much the case with a trip down the river, even though it was only a week since my last visit. Looking up can even sometimes deliver something very special.

Then there are trips revisiting an old haunt and so for the first time this year, a visit to Adwick Washlands. A time of year when you hope migrants have flown in overnight from countries afar. Some very cool birds were spotted this week which I can’t wait to share, including one flagged by the BTO as a rarity for South Yorkshire.

Putting the moth trap out is always a special any time of year, as the next morning it’s a little bit like Christmas, you never know when you open up the trap what might be inside. But the first time is always special as it dawns a new season of moth trapping, with the promise of many Christmas days to come throughout the year. The question being will the trap be empty or full of moths to identify, and will those moths be regulars or newbies?

Bet you are wondering what all these sightings might be, well wonder no more as all will be revealed.

Hoverfly Spotter Apr 26 Sightings – part 1

Potteric Carr, Hoverflies, Visit to Wentworth, My Garden & Down the Dearne.

The clocks went forward 29th March and despite storm Dave blowing through, I did manage to get out for some hoverfly spotting last week. Here are some of my highlights

Observations in the garden: 

Spring has been quietly rehearsing its rituals. Robins court in plain sight, the male offering mealworms plucked from the lawn, a tender exchange of trust. Dunnocks flirt in a flutter of wings, mercifully discreet this time, with no cloacal pecking to report. From the treetops, greenfinches spill their wheezing trills into the air, while great tits hurry about with urgent purpose — busy, busy, busy —rather than their familiar teacher teacher sounds heard, that will come later.

Queen bees drift low through the undergrowth, mostly buff-tailed, prospecting patiently for the promise of a nest. Nearby, a male Hairy-footed Flower Bee runs his daily circuit, diligently visiting every purple bloom, favouring the Lungwort in his search for a female. The Blackcaps have returned singing a tuneful melody and I am awakening to the sound of a dawn chorus right outside my bedroom window. 

Though the garden has brimmed with birdsong, hoverflies have been few, nudging me beyond the garden gate this week. But before we head out, there was a visit from a Spring Small Dung Beetle (Aphodius prodromus) a new species for me.  Welcome to the garden.